Method and apparatus for treating bowling balls having a hygroscopic coverstock

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides for the conditioning of a bowling ball coverstock by a controlled local environment, wherein the local environment has a relative humidity greater than an ambient relative humidity such that an evaporation rate in the local environment is less than a condensation rate in the local environment. A container, which can include a vapor barrier layer encompasses the bowling ball and a humidity source to provide the sufficient humidity within the container for a treatment period sufficient to reduce a Shore D hardness of the coverstock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 63/155,467 filed Mar. 2, 2021 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING BOWLING BALLS HAVING A HYGROSCOPIC COVERSTOCK, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is related to the creation of a local environment for a bowling ball having a hygroscopic coverstock, wherein a generated humidity level in the local environment is sufficient to cause water, through water vapor, to be absorbed by the coverstock rather than water evaporating from the coverstock during a treatment period. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to increasing a relative humidity of a local environment encompassing a bowling ball above a relative humidity of a surrounding ambient environment for a sufficient period to decrease the Shore D hardness of the coverstock.

Description of Related Art

Bowling balls are manufactured to specific specifications to provide desired lane reaction and ball motion required for different lane compositions and oil patterns. All bowling balls manufactured with polyurethane coverstocks, whether they are marketed as reactive-resin or not, have very specific factory intended durometer ratings. The durometer, or hardness of the bowling ball's coverstock, directly relates to the size of its lane surface contact patch, or footprint. This affects the coefficient of friction of the ball as it engages with the bowling lane's surface on both oiled or dry sections of what is referred to as the oil pattern. If there are factors that subsequently change the durometer of the coverstock, the lane motion characteristics of the thrown ball as it travels down the lane will also change. It is generally known that bowlers, Pro shops, and aftermarket products manufacturer/marketers all use, sell and provide services to enhance and/or increase the motion of the bowling ball and reaction on the lane for the purpose of increasing performance and scoring.

For decades, the bowling community has been offering various means for accomplishing this albeit not always sanctioned or legal. For example, the use of volatile solvents can temporarily change the durometer when absorbed into the cured resin. Therefore, the USBC (United States Bowling Congress) has published very specific guidelines governing aftermarket treatments to control any unfair advantage a bowler may derive from using a non-approved treatment. The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual states that the use of chemicals, or other methods, to change the hardness of the surface of the ball after it is manufactured is prohibited.

A common industry service which is performed by Bowling Pro Shops is the use of rejuvenating or “Detox” equipment. The purpose of this service and using this type of equipment is to remove the lane oil which the bowling ball has absorbed through its cover stock pore system. This is erroneously believed by bowlers, Pro Shops, and aftermarket product suppliers to adversely affect lane motion and bowling ball performance.

The need exists for preserving a bowling ball and controlling the hardness of the bowling ball while extending the useful life of the bowling ball.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bowling ball is generally formed of two major parts: a core having a weight block and a coverstock, sometimes referred to a shell.

The coverstock is the outer shell of the bowling ball and thus defines the contact with the lane. There are a variety of coverstocks in the market. These coverstocks include plastic, urethane reactive resin, wherein the urethane reactive resin may have three subclasses.

The plastic coverstocks are the least aggressive of current coverstocks. The urethane coverstock provides a greater angle of entry into the pocket and covers more boards on a given lane condition than does a plastic ball. The urethane is the base material used for other classifications of coverstocks such as reactive resin, hybrid, and particle coverstocks.

Reactive resin coverstocks are considered to be highly aggressive whereas their lane reaction characteristics translate to a more controlled lane reaction due to the porous nature of their coverstocks. The reactive (or reactive resin) coverstocks are composed of similar materials used in regular urethane formations, however, they are blended with different additives including reactive catalysts intended to create micro air channels within the resin's cured structure.

Sub-categories of reactive coverstocks are the solid coverstock, the pearl coverstock, and the hybrid coverstock, all of which are reactive coverstock bowling balls. The solid reactive coverstocks have the greatest amount of microscopic reactive pores on the ball surface compared to other reactive coverstocks. The solid coverstock comes in a polished finish, sanded finishes, and with a rubbing compound buffed finish so the degree of surface friction can be controlled within the sub-category of solid reactive bowling balls. The pearl reactive coverstocks have the addition of a mica material blended into the reactive coverstock material. The inclusion of mica roughens out the microscopic pores causing the ball reaction on dry lanes to be extended in length. The mica adds some sparkle to the bowling ball's surface appearance. The hybrid reactive coverstocks are a combination of solid and pearl reactive covers with the purpose of taking advantage of the benefits of both coverstock types. Hybrid (hybrid reactive) coverstocks offer the mid-lane reaction of a solid coverstock and the back-end reaction of a pearl coverstock.

The present disclosure relates to a method including retaining, for a treatment or conditioning period, a humidity source and a bowling ball having a hygroscopic coverstock within a container, the container moveable between an open configuration for receiving the bowling ball and the humidity source and a closed configuration encompassing the bowling ball and the humidity source, wherein the conditioning period can be a given length of time to maintain the factory Shore D hardness of the bowling ball. The reduction in the Shore D durometer of the coverstock will not be reduced to an extent where it would be lower than the legal hardness or durometer as stated within the USBC (United States Bowling Congress) Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual as updated 02/12, and referred to herein as the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual.

It is contemplated the container can include or can be a vapor barrier layer, wherein the vapor barrier layer is configured in conjunction with the humidity source to maintain the necessary relative humidity within the container so as to one of preserve a Shore D hardness of the coverstock or reduce a Shore D hardness of the coverstock during a conditioning period.

The present disclosure also includes an apparatus for treating a bowling ball, the apparatus including a container, the container sized and configured to encompass a bowling ball and moveable between an open configuration for receiving the bowling ball and a closed configuration encompassing the bowling ball; and a humidity source retained within the container, the humidity source configured to increase a relative humidity within the container during a treatment period.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a first configuration of a container encompassing a bowling ball and a humidity source.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a second configuration of a container encompassing a bowling ball and a humidity source.

FIG. 3 is a first position of a vapor barrier layer receiving the bowling ball and the humidity source.

FIG. 4 is a second position of a vapor barrier layer receiving the bowling ball and the humidity source.

FIG. 5 is a third position of a vapor barrier layer receiving the bowling ball and the humidity source.

FIG. 6 is a fourth position of a vapor barrier layer receiving the bowling ball and the humidity source.

FIG. 7 is a fifth position of a vapor barrier layer receiving the bowling ball and the humidity source, wherein the vapor barrier layer encompasses the bowling ball and the humidity source.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bowling ball and the humidity source shown in phantom in a vapor barrier layer which in turn is disposed within the container.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bowling ball and the humidity source shown in phantom in a vapor barrier layer which in turn is disposed within the container in a closed configuration.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank for forming the container.

FIG. 11 is a is a left side perspective view of a bowling ball bag having the present vapor barrier layer for retaining three bowling balls and showing the humidity source.

FIG. 12 is a right side perspective view of a bowling ball bag having the present vapor barrier layer for retaining three bowling balls and showing the humidity source.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the humidity being external to the container and the bowling ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the present system includes a bowling ball 10 having a coverstock 20, a container 30, and a humidity source 100. Configurations of the system contemplate the container 30 including or being a vapor barrier layer 60.

Generally, the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 are retained within the local environment defined by the container 30, such as the vapor barrier layer 60, wherein the relative humidity of the local environment is greater than the relative humidity of the ambient environment (outside of the container) for at least one hour, and in further configurations at least 12 hours, 24 hours 48 hours or 96 hours or more. It is understood that depending upon the particular container 30 and the humidity source 100, the container may not need to function as the vapor barrier layer 60. That is, if as set forth below, the humidity source 100 is configured to maintain the local environment within the container 30 at a sufficiently greater relative humidity than the ambient relative humidity, then the container does not need to function as the vapor barrier layer 60. That is, if the humidity source 100 is configured to supply a greater rate of moisture than crosses the container 30, then the container is not required to function as the vapor barrier layer 60. However, other configurations with the vapor barrier layer 60, allow for the stated relative humidity to be obtained with a smaller humidity source 100 that may not need to be recharged or re-filled during the necessary exposure time, or treatment time, such as 3 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours 48 hours or 96 hours or more, to reduce, by at least 0.5% to at least 1%, or 3%, the Shore D hardness of the coverstock 20 (and hence bowling ball 10). The amount of percentage reduction of the bowling ball coverstocks Shore D durometer depends in part on the relative humidity differential between the relative humidity of the local environment within the container 30 and the ambient relative humidity environment outside the container. The greater the differential, the greater the Shore D durometer reduction. Thus, the present system contemplates the bowling ball 10 and humidity source 100 in the container 30, wherein the container can be or include the vapor barrier layer 60, but does not have to function as the vapor barrier layer.

It is a common misconception in the current bowling industry which attributes improved lane reaction performance to hot water bath extraction methods to remove absorbed lane oil from the bowling ball, such as the coverstock of the bowling ball. It has been discovered that the true governing factors of lane performance include: (i) the cleaning and resurfacing service of the coverstock as part of the service required to remove the embedded dirt and lane contaminants from the surface of the coverstock and (ii) the rate of water absorption on the hygroscopic nature of the coverstock material. It has been found that the exposure of the resin coverstock to a sufficient humidity or relative humidity actually lowers the hardness (lowers the Shore D hardness number) of the bowling ball 10 (at least the coverstock 20 of the bowling ball) which increases a footprint and coefficient of friction of the bowling ball and can last for approximately 6 hours under nominal conditions until the absorbed water moisture has slowly evaporated back out of the coverstock. Current industry practices and factual information only acknowledge the effect humidity levels have on bowling lane surface and viscosity of applied lane oil and not the effect humidity has with respect to hardness of the coverstock 20.

It has been found that due to the hygroscopic nature of polyisocyanates, also referred to as polyurethane in the coverstock 20 and especially the highly porous nature of reactive-resin polyurethane coverstocks, the durometer (number on the Shore D hardness scale) can fluctuate significantly depending on the amount of water which is retained the coverstock. This is defined in the coatings and polymer industry as “water absorption” and the physical properties of the polymer can be significantly altered when exposed to hot water baths for periods of time.

For example, in terms of the present disclosure if a freshly manufactured bowling ball 10 has a measured durometer of 73.5 to 74 Shore D given a relative humidity of 75%-80%, and is then subsequently stored in a low relative humidity environment associated with typical heated indoor winter environments which can generally range from 30%-40%, the durometer will tend to increase to 74.5, or 75, or 75.5 or more Shore D over the course of days or weeks. The present disclosure addresses this increased durometer.

The bowling ball 10 is a standard regulation bowling having the coverstock 20, wherein the coverstock includes a urethane, and in certain configurations a polyurethane, and in further configurations a polyurethane reactive resin. These coverstocks 20 can be generally classified as generally hygroscopic as the coverstock takes up and retains moisture compared to prior coverstock constructions, such as polyester. This hygroscopic difference is particularly seen with respect to the prior polyester coverstocks which do not have any moisture regain or absorb any water. In contrast, the present polyurethanes can exhibit moisture regain or absorb any water, and in comparison to the polyester, exhibit moisture regain or water absorption.

The footprint diameter of the bowling ball 10 is directly proportional to the durometer (hardness) of the coverstock 20 and the weight of the ball. As set forth above, the lower the hardness (or lower number on the Shore D hardness scale), the softer the coverstock 20. Thus, the bowling ball 10 having the coverstock 20 with a lower Shore D hardness number will exhibit a larger footprint and thus exhibit greater ball motion and lane reaction due to its increased coefficient-of-friction. The hardness of the coverstock 20 will be lower when exposed to higher relative humidity environments versus lower relative humidity environments as experienced during the higher outdoor and indoor relative humidity summer months than during the lower indoor relative humidity winter months, thereby providing the user with a bowling ball of greater ball motion and lane reaction.

Additionally, it is believed that by preserving and maintaining the essential softening agents and plasticizers in the reactive-resin coverstock 20 of the bowling ball 10, the durometer, regardless of its state of water absorption, which is dependent on ambient relative humidity levels, will be proportionately lower than a desiccated bowling ball that has lost some of its plasticizers through natural evaporation and drying.

The present disclosure addresses the effect of humidity, relative humidity, or water absorption on the coverstock 20, and particularly polyurethane coverstocks, and more particularly reactive resin coverstocks, and the associated bowling ball performance.

The present disclosure includes a plurality of structures and mechanisms for inducing and maintaining water absorption levels into the bowling ball 10. These water absorption levels can be met by replicating an at least 60% and in certain configurations a 70% to 85% or more relative humidity local environment for sufficient periods of time to reduce the hardness of the coverstock through water absorption, through a conditioning or treatment period which can include 1 hour, or 2 hours, or 3 hours, or 6 hours, or 8 hours, or 12 hours, or 24 hours, or 48 hours, or 96, or more hours. Thus, the treatment (or conditioning) period means at least 1 hour, or 2 hours, or 3 hours, or 6 hours, or 8 hours, or 12 hours, or 24 hours, or 48 hours, or 96, or in some configurations more hours. In one configuration, the present system temporarily precludes the desiccation or dehydration of the coverstock 20 and in further configurations, the present system imparts moisture take up or absorption by the coverstock 20, and particularly during the exposure time to the humidity source 100. The coverstock 20 of the bowling ball 10 treated by the present system will provide performance consistency throughout the seasons or time of year regardless of the ambient relative humidity, such as indoor relative humidity. This will aid bowling enthusiasts to keep their equipment optimally consistent and reliable providing and supporting better scoring and performance throughout the year.

The present disclosure provides a local environment, such as within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60, wherein a generated humidity level in the local environment is sufficient to cause more water, through water vapor, to be absorbed by the coverstock 20 than evaporates from the coverstock, at least during the treatment period. That is, in the local environment, the container 30 and the humidity source 100 are configured such that the local evaporation rate is less than the local condensation (absorption) rate during the treatment period. Depending on the particular starting condition of the bowling ball 10 as well as the ambient environment in which the bowling ball has been retained, an absolute humidity of 0.014 Kg/m3 at 25° C. and pressure of 760 mm Hg or greater or a relative humidity of 60% or greater is believed sufficient to increase water absorption by the coverstock 20 which lowers the hardness of the coverstock to its preferred state, such as over an exposure period of at least 24 hours. For purposes of this description the humidity is the amount of water present in the air in the form of water vapor. Humidity is measured in terms of mass/volume and is sometimes referred to absolute humidity and is further independent of the air temperature. The term relative humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air to the maximum level of moisture that the air could retain at a specific temperature. Alternatively stated, the relative humidity is the ratio of the condensation rate to the evaporation rate. Humidity, or water vapor content of the air, also has an effect on evaporation. The lower the relative humidity, the drier the air, and the higher the evaporation rate. The more humid the air, the closer the air is to saturation, and less evaporation can occur.

In one configuration, the container 30 and the humidity source 100 are configured to define the local environment within the container that can maintain the elevated relative humidity in the local environment to reduce the hardness of the coverstock 20 by at least 1.0% on the Shore D hardness scale over the treatment period, and particularly a treatment period of at least 24 hours.

In one configuration, the vapor barrier layer 60 has a water vapor transmission rate of at least 1 mil thick polyethylene film which has a water vapor transmission rate equivalent to 1.60 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hrs @ 100° F. at 90% relative humidity. In a further construction, the vapor barrier layer 60 can have a water vapor transmission rate of 0.32 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity or less. In a further configuration, the vapor barrier layer 60 can have a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.065 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. In another configuration, the vapor barrier layer 60 includes a metalized polymer, such as but not limited to commercially available Mylar® film by DuPont Teijin Films. Alternatively, the water vapor transmission rates can be achieved by employing an appropriate thickness of polymer film, such as but not limited to polyethylene film. For example, the vapor barrier layer 60 can also have a water vapor transmission rate less than a water vapor transmission rate of a 3 mil thick polyethylene film. It is further contemplated the vapor barrier layer 60 can also have a water vapor transmission rate less than a water vapor transmission rate of a 4 mil thick polyethylene film. Preferably, the vapor barrier layer 60 maintains an elevated humidity in the local environment within the container 30 as long as the humidity source 100 is operable (or has moisture to evaporate).

It is understood the vapor barrier layer 60 having a water vapor transmission rate less than or equal to 0.80 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity, can be employed to provide longer lasting humidity to the local environment encompassing the bowling ball 10, wherein such vapor barrier layer may require relatively large humidity source, multiple sources, or require additional supply or recharging, or refilling a smaller humidity source within the container 30 to provide the necessary humidity for the conditioning or treatment period.

Thus, the vapor barrier layer 60 having a water vapor transmission rate less than or equal to 0.80 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity is anticipated to be practical, as such would allow a humidity source 100 of smaller size to be retained within the container 30, without requiring too frequent refilling or recharging during the treatment period. That is, the local environment would have an elevated humidity for the treatment period, or at least 24 hours, without requiring refilling or recharging of the humidity source 100.

The bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 are retained within the local environment of the container 30, which can be or include the vapor barrier layer 60.

In one configuration, the local environment within the container 30, which can be or include the vapor barrier layer 60 is maintained at a relative humidity greater than a relative humidity of the ambient environment (outside the local environment within the container) for the treatment period.

Alternatively, the duration of the bowling bowl 10 in the elevated humidity (and hence elevated relative humidity) of the local environment can be at least 12 hours and as long as 3 to 6 months or more—depending on the particular humidity source 100 and any required refilling or recharging the humidity source. It is understood the exposure (treatment) time to the elevated relative humidity can be aggregate rather than continuous. The bowling ball 10 can be out of the container 30 for a tournament, and the coverstock 20 would gradually and consistently “materially change” depending on the ambient relative humidity. It is believed that after approximately 6 hours out of the container 30 in a lower relative humidity environment, which can be or include the vapor barrier layer 60, the benefit of reduced hardness from water absorption is lost or, is no longer noticeable as the absorbed hydration by the coverstock 20 gradually evaporates back out. That is, the durometer of the bowling ball 10 on the Shore D hardness scale may increase by at least 1%.

The duration of the exposure, or treatment time, of the hygroscopic coverstock 20 to the elevated local humidity in order to bring the hardness of the coverstock down to a durometer of 73, 73.5 or 74, 74.5 or 75 on the Shore D hardness scale is partly determined by the starting condition of the coverstock of the bowling ball 10 as well as the prior ambient or local environment in which the bowling ball was located.

The humidity source 100 can be any of a variety of configurations including but not limited to the following commercially available constructions:

Configurations of the humidity source Brief Description (Scented) spray The humidity source 100 can be a water or water-based spray (pump or aerosol can) and is applied to the bowling ball 10 before placed in the container 30, such as the commercially available Immortalizer ®, by Magnum Bowling Products. The water or water-based spray is applied periodically to the bowling ball 10 to maintain the desired local environment within the container 30 or vapor barrier layer 60. Depending on the characteristics of the vapor barrier layer 60 or the container 30, the spray may be applied daily/weekly/bi-weekly/monthly. Mag-wipes The humidity source 100 can be specialized wet wipes as used to wipe and moisten the bowling ball 10 before placing the bowling ball in the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60, wherein the container and/or vapor barrier layer has a water vapor transmission rate that is less than or equal to a 2 mil polyethylene or thicker. Grape shaped sack The humidity source 100 can be an absorbent sack sized to be received made of mold within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 along with the resistant cloth bowling ball 10, wherein the absorbent sack is moistened prior to placing the sack and the bowling ball within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60, wherein the container can include a single or dual layer water vapor barrier layer. Sack made of mold The humidity source 100 can be a sack of cloth that can be retained within resistant cloth the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 such as a traveling bowling ball bag, wherein the sack does not directly touch the bowling ball 10, but maintains high humidity levels in the closed container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60, such as the traveling bag. Silica bead pouches The humidity source 100 can be pouches made of cotton, polyester, or other vapor transmissive material, wherein the pouch houses water retaining beads such as silica. The pouches would be placed in the container 30, such as the commercially available Immortalizer ® by Magnum Bowling Products or any other polybag with a water vapor transmission rate less than or equivalent to 2 Mil polyethylene bag or thicker to generally retain resultant humidity. The pouch can also be placed within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 including travel bowling ball bags. Water beads The humidity source 100 can be patches of moisture beads which can be disposed within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60, such as the commercially available Immortalizer ® by Magnum Bowling Products as well as disposed within a thumb slug hole. Different style The container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 can include a multilayer Immortalizer ® construction of an outer vapor barrier layer, a foam or other moisture retaining material that can retain liquid within the outer vapor barrier layer (thus acting as the humidity source) and an inner permeable or porous liner within the foam material. The inner permeable or porous liner can be a material such as Gore-Tex such that it allows the moisture from the foam to pass through to the encompassed bowling ball 10 in the local environment. Humidity chamber The humidity source 100 can include a humidifier that maintains a preset for bowling balls humidity and temperature inside the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60), wherein the vapor barrier layer (or the container) is constructed to retain at least one or a plurality of bowling balls 10. The bowling balls 10 can be disposed with such container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 to maintain the durometer (Shore D hardness) of the bowling ball or to lower the durometer of the bowling ball in preparation for a bowling tournament. The container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 can optionally include forced air circulation for distributing the humidity or maximizing the humidity within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60. Sneaker Balls The humidity source 100 can be a structure similar to sneaker scent balls that house a terracotta body such as a disc to provide and retain a volume of moisture. The moistened discs can be then disposed within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 along with the bowling ball 10. Gel pad The humidity source 100 can be a gel pad located within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60, such as a ~2 mil LDPE bag covering the bowling ball 10 to provide a relative humidity in the local environment that is greater than the relative humidity in the surrounding or ambient environment. Jar The humidity source 100 can be a jar with a perforated lid filled with specially-formulated beads containing a humidity-balancing solution of propylene glycol, to provide a slow, steady release of moisture and constant humidity of 65-85%. Each refill of the jar with water can typically last 1 week to 2 months, and each jar can be refilled over and over for up to a year before replacing. The humidity source 100 is especially practical in containers 30 such as commercially available travel bags. MagSlug The humidity source 100 can be a moisture releasing cylinder that fits inside the thumb slug hole when the bowling ball 10 is inside the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60. Moisture wipes The humidity source 100 can be moistened wipes that are placed inside the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60. Humidor bag The humidity source 100 can include specialized cloths with encapsulated micro-beads-wherein the cloth or drape is sized to cover the majority of the bowling ball 10, wherein both are then placed into the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60. Rubber bladder The humidity source 100 can be a perforated latex bag with a water retaining layer inside. Diaper sac The humidity source 100 can be fabric of two layers that feel dry to the touch, wherein the layers sandwich a water absorbent fibrous interior. The fabric is sized to cover the majority of the bowling ball 10. Alternatively, the humidity source 100 can be circular in shape and cover the minority of the bowling ball 10. In one use, the fabric is disposed within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 and then the bowling ball 10 is inserted into vapor barrier layer (or the container). Humidification The humidity source 100 can be a circular or rectangular shaped patch of Patch porous material that retains a volume of moisture and is placed on bottom of the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60, wherein the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 can be a flexible bag or a travel bag. Moisture Tablet The humidity source 100 can be a moisture tablet which is similar to the moisture beads but larger and only requires the use of 1 unit, rather than multiple smaller beads. The moisture tablet can be configured similar to a commercially available detergent pod. Sponge in The humidity source 100 can be a sponge that can be selectively moistened optional sack and optionally retained within an at least partly permeable sack for allowing humidity to pass from the sack to the local environment within the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60.

Thus, the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 encompassing the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 are configured to sustain a local environment sufficient, during the conditioning or treatment period, to minimize or prevent the loss of water from the coverstock of 20 the bowling ball 10, such as by creating a condensation (absorption) rate greater than an evaporation rate within the local environment of the container and/or the vapor barrier layer. That is, the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 encompassing the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 are configured to sustain a local environment sufficient to at least reduce, or minimize or prevent dehydration the coverstock 20 of the bowling ball, such as for the conditioning or treatment period, including a period of at least 24 hours, or 48 hours or 96 hours, or more. The container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 encompassing the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 are configured to sustain a local environment sufficient to minimize or prevent the loss of water from the coverstock 20 of the bowling ball during the treatment period. Alternatively stated, the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 encompassing the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 are configured to sustain a local environment sufficient to preclude an increase in the Shore D hardness of the coverstock for at least 24 hours, and in select configurations at least 48 hours and in further reconfigurations at least 96 hours at room temperature. Further, the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 encompassing the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 can be configured to sustain a local environment sufficient to lower a hardness of the bowling ball within between at least 3 hours in the local environment and 12 hours in the local environment.

In one configuration, the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 encompassing the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 are configured to temporarily preclude, for at least for example the treatment period, the desiccation or dehydration of the coverstock 20 and in further configurations, the container and/or the vapor barrier layer encompassing the bowling ball and the humidity source are configured to impart moisture take up or absorption of water vapor by the coverstock, such as for the treatment period.

The present system contemplates the bowling ball 10 is retained within the container 30, such as the vapor barrier layer 60, wherein the vapor barrier layer can be the container or included in the container, which can be formed of walls that include or define the vapor barrier layer. In one configuration, the container 30 can be limited to the vapor barrier layer 60 or can have further structure, such as walls, and a lid, which can include or define the vapor barrier layer, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 . That is, the container 30 can be the vapor barrier layer 60 or the container can include additional structure separate from the vapor barrier layer. The container 30 may have a plurality of individual vapor barrier layer components such that the combination turns the container into the vapor barrier layer 60. The container 30 can also be of a flexible construction, having a single layer or a plurality of layers. As used herein, the term vapor barrier 60 layer encompasses a single layer of a material (which in itself may be a single component or multiply plies) as well as multi-layer constructions of the same or different materials.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , in one configuration, the container 30 can be a typical commercially available packaging box 240. That is, in many instances a new bowling ball is disposed in a single layer plastic bag and then retained within a cardboard cubic packaging box having an outer dimension of approximately 8.6 inches. The packaging box 240 has an open configuration wherein at least one flap, lid, 242 is located to permit passage of the bowling ball 10 into and out of the box. It is understood the box 240 may include two, three or four flaps that are moveable between the open configuration and the closed configuration of the box. The at least one flap 242 is then moved to a closed position to enclose the bowling ball 10 within the box 240. A fastener such as tape or adhesive can be used to retain the flap (or flaps) in the closed position during shipment and presentation to the consumer.

The vapor barrier layer 60 can be used to encase the bowling ball 10 as the bowling ball is retained within the box 240. Thus, a bowling ball kit is provided having the container, such as the box 240 having an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the box in the closed configuration defines an interior cubic volume of less than 730 in³; the bowling ball 10 having a diameter between 8.500 inches (21.59 cm) to 8.595 inches (21.83 cm); and the vapor barrier layer 60 enclosing the bowling ball 10, wherein the vapor barrier layer is configured to enclose the bowling ball and be enclosed within the box in the closed configuration of the box.

The container 30 is moveable between an open configuration for receiving or passing the bowling ball 10 and the humidity source 100 and a closed configuration for encompassing the bowling ball and the humidity source and defining a local environment within the closed container. Thus, there is a local environment within the closed container 30 (or vapor barrier layer 60) and an ambient environment outside or surrounding the closed container or vapor barrier layer. The local environment is defined by the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 in the closed arrangement. The local environment is distinguished or separated from the ambient environment by the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60.

It is contemplated the container 30, and in certain configurations the vapor barrier layer 60 includes a closure, such as a zipper, tongue and groove mating surfaces, cinches, ties, hook and loop, folds and flaps, as well as rolling or folding that retain the vapor barrier layer and/or container in the closed arrangement. In addition, the closure 70 generally inhibits the transmission of humidity across the closure. In one configuration, vapor barrier layer 60 and the container 30 can be sufficiently closed or sealed to provide a water vapor transmission rate across the closure mechanism that is substantially equal to the water vapor transmission rate of the material or construction of the vapor barrier layer. In one configuration, the closure 70 has a water vapor transmission rate that is no more than twice the water vapor transmission rate of the vapor barrier layer 60, and in further configurations 1.5 times the water vapor transmission rate of the vapor barrier layer and in further configurations within 10% of the water vapor transmission rate of the vapor barrier layer. In another configuration, the closure 70 may have a water vapor transmission rate that is 10 times the water vapor transmission rate of the vapor barrier layer 60. Depending on the size of the closure 70, as well as the initial state of the bowling ball 10, the target state of the bowling ball and the humidity source, the impact of the water vapor transmission rate of the closure may be de minimus. That is, the other factors may sufficiently dominate the water vapor transmission rate of the closure 70 that it can be effectively ignored. In one configuration, the closure 70 is configured to permit the creation and maintenance of the local environment with a relative humidity that is greater than an ambient relative humidity.

The container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 can be configured to preclude non-destructive separation or opening. That is, once the container 30 and/or the vapor barrier layer 60 is opened from a sealed or closed configuration, the container and/or the vapor barrier layer cannot be disposed again in a sealed configuration.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , it is further contemplated the present system can be carried out with a bowling ball carrier which may not include a vapor barrier layer. However, it is understood the system can also be carried out with a bowling ball carrier having a vapor barrier layer, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,850,167, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. The bowling ball carrier can be any of a variety of bags, totes or cases for transporting a bowling ball. The bowling ball carrier includes commercially available bowling ball bags. Specifically, a humidity source can be disposed in the bowling ball carrier with the bowling ball, wherein the humidity source is configured to cause the coverstock of the bowling ball to absorb sufficient water, through water vapor, to reduce the hardness of the coverstock over the intended treatment period. The reduction in the Shore D durometer of the coverstock is not intended to be lowered to an extent where it would be less than the legal hardness or durometer as specified by the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual, which presently recites in part Hardness, 1. The surface hardness of bowling balls shall not be less than 72 (measured with Shore durometer, type D) at room temperature (68-78 degrees Fahrenheit) and 2. The use of chemicals, or other methods, to change the hardness of the surface of the ball after it is manufactured is prohibited.

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the present disclosure contemplates a vapor barrier layer 370 and the humidity source 100 within a bowling ball bag 300, and in select configurations as the inner layer of the bowling ball bag. The vapor barrier layer 370 can be attached to the bowling ball bag 300 by stitching, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives for bonding or fasteners, wherein the fasteners are typically formed of a plastic so as to reduce potential damage to the retained bowling ball 10. While the vapor barrier layer 370 can be an intermediate layer in the bowling ball bag 300, in one configuration the vapor barrier layer is the inner layer of the bowling ball bag and thus in certain configurations can contact at least portions of the bowling ball retained within the bowling ball bag.

In one configuration, the vapor barrier layer 370 is added to an otherwise finished bowling ball bag 300, wherein the humidity 100 is located within the vapor barrier layer. That is, an existing bowling ball bag 300 can be retrofit with the vapor barrier layer to locate the vapor barrier layer as an inner layer in the bowling ball bag. Alternatively, the vapor barrier layer 370 can be incorporated into the bowling ball bag 300 during the normal manufacturing process so as to define the inner surface of the bowling ball bag or an intermediate layer of the bowling ball bag. In one configuration, the vapor barrier layer 370 forms the inner surface of the bowling ball bag 300.

In a further configuration, the bowling ball bag 300 is typically formed up from pattern cut layers of fabric and padding, the vapor barrier layer 370 can be similarly pattern cut and incorporated into the existing stitching or forming process of the bowling ball bag. The vapor barrier layer 370 can thus define the inner layer of the bowling ball bag 300, an intermediate layer of the bowling ball bag or the outside layer of the bowling ball bag. In those configurations in which the vapor barrier layer 370 is the polymer film, it may be advantageous for the vapor barrier layer to be the intermediate layer in the bowling ball bag 300 where the vapor barrier layer is protection from incidental damage.

While the vapor barrier layer 370 can be incorporated anywhere within the layered construction of the bowling ball bag 300 (travel bag), it is believed optimal to locate the vapor barrier layer as the innermost layer of the interior of the bowling ball bag (travel bag), wherein the humidity source 100 can be within the vapor barrier layer. If the vapor barrier layer 370 is not the layer nearest to the bowling ball 10, then the padding, cloth, fabric of the bowling ball bag (travel bag) may allow for undesired absorption of the resin solvents, softeners, plasticizers, resin chemicals, resin vapors, and oils (volatiles) by the padding and/cloth prior to being blocked by the vapor barrier layer. That is, the volatiles from the bowling ball 10 would pass into and through any padding and cloth layers 350, 360 prior to being blocked by the vapor barrier layer 370 such that the padding and cloth layers would have an absorbing effect thereby allowing for more evaporation of the volatiles from the ball as opposed to the vapor barrier layer being the nearest layer to the bowling ball 10.

The vapor barrier layer 370 can be configured to have a shape corresponding to the bowling ball bag 300 and thus is received within the bowling ball bag and can be secured in place. Because of the relative flexibility and thickness of the vapor barrier layer 370, it is understood the vapor barrier layer need not be self-supporting or provide impact resistance. Rather, the vapor barrier layer 370 can be flexible, wherein the remainder of the bowling ball bag provides securement of the bowling ball 10. Alternatively, the vapor barrier layer can have a shape that is independent of the bowling ball bag 300. However, as the vapor barrier 370 need not be self-supporting, the independent shape of the vapor barrier layer can complicate the insertion and extraction of a bowling ball from vapor barrier layer.

In one configuration, the vapor barrier layer 370 is coexistent with the inner surface of the bowling ball bag 300. That is, the vapor barrier layer 370 moves as the access port 330 moves between the open position and the closed position and thus the vapor barrier layer encloses the bowling ball 10 only when the access port is moved to the closed position. The closure 340 retains the access port 330 in the closed position and hence the vapor barrier layer 370 in the closed position.

In a further configuration, the vapor barrier layer 370 is partly independent of the bowling ball bag 300 such that the vapor barrier layer can be in a closed position encompassing the bowling ball 10 or an open position providing access to the bowling ball independent of the access port of the bowling ball bag being in the closed position or the open position. In this construction, with the access port 330 of the bowling ball bag 300 in the open position, the vapor barrier layer 370 can be closed about the bowling ball to encompass the bowling ball. In this configuration, only a portion of the vapor barrier layer 370 is connected to the inside of the bowling ball bag 300. This portion of the vapor barrier layer 370 connected to the bowling ball bag 300 is sufficient to retain the vapor barrier layer in an operable configuration to receive the bowling ball. The vapor barrier layer 370 has a second separate or independent closure than the first closure of the access port 330 of the bowling ball bag 300, such that the bowling ball 10 can be encompassed with the vapor barrier layer and the vapor barrier layer retained in the closed position, with the bowling ball bag access port being in the open position. The closure for the vapor barrier layer 370 can include, but is not limited to, zippers, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, releasable adhesives as well as clasps or folds.

It is further contemplated that for those bowling ball bags 300 sized to retain a plurality of bowling balls, each retained bowling ball 10 may be located within a common vapor barrier layer 370 or that each retained bowling ball is encompassed within a separately closable vapor barrier layer, wherein each separately closable vapor barrier layer includes a corresponding humidity source. That is, the number of closures for the vapor barrier layer 370 may be one for a plurality of bowling balls or may be equal to the number of bowling balls to be retained with the bowling ball bag.

The necessary strength and any intended impact resistance can be provided by the bowling ball bag 300, wherein the vapor barrier layer 370 merely provides for the relatively high concentration of the resin chemicals, plasticizers and resin vapors, thereby reducing the evaporation rate of the resin chemicals, plasticizers and resin vapors of the retained bowling ball 10—thereby reducing the evaporative aging of the bowling ball. As set forth above, it is believed that reducing the evaporative aging process of the bowling ball 10 by providing the humidity source 100 within the vapor barrier layer maintains the factory new durometer specification of the bowling ball 10, thereby retaining the ability of the bowling ball to withstand polar temperature differentials without cracking and prolonging the bowling ball's original performance properties.

Referring to FIG. 13 , it is further contemplated the container 30 can be cabinet sized to retain one or a plurality of bowling balls 10, wherein the humidity source 100 is external to the container and air of an elevated relative humidity is circulated through the container. The container 60 can also include heat source 68 to increase the temperature of the container to enhance the available humidity in the container. Such container 60 can include a controller 120, such a processor or computer or application on a mobile phone wireless connected to the humidity source 100 and/the heat source 68 for establishing a sufficient local environment to impart the desired change in hardness within a predetermined time, such as the treatment time.

Thus, the present disclosure provides a method of treating the bowling ball 10 having the hygroscopic coverstock 20, the method including increasing a relative humidity of a local environment encompassing the bowling ball above a relative humidity of a surrounding ambient environment for a treatment period. The method can further include separating the local environment from the ambient environment by the vapor barrier layer 60, or wherein the local environment is defined by the vapor barrier layer 60 having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.80 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity or less which is equivalent to a 2 mil LDPE bag or thicker, or wherein the local environment is defined by the vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.065 grams water vapor/100 in2/24 hours at 100° F., or wherein the local environment is defined by the vapor barrier layer having a metalized polymer, or wherein the local environment is defined by the vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate equal to or less than a water vapor transmission rate of a 2-mil thick polyethylene film, or further including maintaining the relative humidity of the local environment above the relative humidity of the surrounding ambient environment for at least 24 hours, or further including locating a humidity source within the local environment, or wherein the vapor barrier layer has a water vapor transmission rate equal to or less than a water vapor transmission rate of a 2 mil thick low-density polyethylene bag.

The present disclosure further provides a method comprising retaining, for the treatment period, the bowling ball 10 having the hygroscopic coverstock 20 in the container 30 having a relative humidity greater than an ambient relative humidity, and further including retaining the bowling ball in the container for at least 24 hours and further including retaining the humidity source 100 in the container.

The present disclosure also provides a method comprising retaining the bowling ball 10 having the hygroscopic coverstock 20 and the humidity source 100 within the container 30 for the treatment period, and wherein the container is the vapor barrier layer 60, and further including the step retaining the bowling ball and the humidity source in the container for at least 24 hours.

The present disclosure also provides a method for controlling a hardness of the bowling ball 10 having the hygroscopic coverstock 20, the method including encompassing the bowling ball and the humidity source 10 within the container 30 having the vapor barrier layer 60 for the treatment period, and further including retaining the bowling ball and the humidity source in the container for at least 24 hours.

The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a hardness of the bowling ball 10 having the hygroscopic coverstock 20, the method including encompassing the bowling ball and the humidity source 100 within the vapor barrier layer 60 for the treatment period or a sufficient period to reduce the Shoe D hardness of the coverstock by at least 1%, and further including imparting a humidity within the container greater than an ambient humidity, and further including retaining the bowling ball and the humidity source in the vapor barrier layer for at least 24 hours.

The present disclosure provides a method including disposing the bowling ball 10 having the hygroscopic coverstock 20 in the container 30, the container having the vapor barrier layer 60; locating the humidity source 100 within the container; and disposing the container in a closed configuration to define a local environment within the container for the treatment period, and including maintaining the local relative humidity to a value greater than a relative humidity of an ambient environment, and further including retaining the bowling ball and the humidity source in the container for at least 24 hours.

The present disclosure provides a method including (a) disposing the bowling ball 10 having the hygroscopic coverstock 20 in the vapor barrier layer 60; (b) locating the humidity source 100 within the vapor barrier layer; and (c) disposing the vapor barrier layer in a closed configuration to define a local environment within the vapor barrier layer, for a treatment period, and further including retaining the bowling ball and the humidity source in the vapor barrier layer in the closed configuration for at least 24 hours, and wherein the vapor barrier layer has a water vapor transmission rate of equal to less than 0.80 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity.

The present disclosure provides a method including (a) disposing the bowling ball 10 having the coverstock 20 into the container 30 defining a local environment; and (b) maintaining a relative humidity within the container above an ambient relative humidity for at least 24 hours, wherein the coverstock is polyurethane.

The present disclosure provides a method including (a) disposing the humidity source 100 and the bowling ball 10 having the coverstock 20 into the vapor barrier layer 60 defining a local environment; and (b) maintaining a relative humidity in the local environment above a relative humidity of an ambient environment for at least 24 hours, and wherein the coverstock is polyurethane.

The present disclosure provides a method including (a) disposing the bowling ball 10 having the coverstock 20 and the humidity source 100 into the vapor barrier layer 60 defining a local environment; and (b) closing the vapor barrier to encompass the bowling ball and the humidity source, and further including maintaining a relative humidity in the local environment above an ambient relative humidity for at least 24 hours, and wherein the coverstock is polyurethane.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for treating a bowling ball, the apparatus including (a) the container 30 having the vapor barrier layer 60, the container sized to retain the bowling ball 10 and moveable between an open configuration for receiving the bowling ball and a closed configuration encompassing the bowling ball; and (b) the humidity source 100 retained within the container, the humidity source configured to increase a relative humidity within the container for the duration of the treatment or conditioning period.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for treating a bowling ball, the apparatus including (a) the vapor barrier layer 60, the vapor barrier layer sized and configured to encompass the bowling ball 10 and moveable between an open configuration for receiving the bowling ball and a closed configuration encompassing the bowling ball; and (b) the humidity source 100 retained within the vapor barrier layer, the humidity source configured to increase a relative humidity within the vapor barrier layer for the duration of the treatment period.

The present disclosure provides a method of treating the bowling ball 10, the method including (a) exposing, for the treatment period, the bowling ball to a local humidity greater than an ambient humidity, wherein the local humidity is sufficient to impart water absorption into a coverstock of the bowling ball and reduce a hardness of the coverstock 20, and further including exposing the bowling ball to the greater local humidity for a period sufficient to decrease a hardness of the bowling ball by at least 1% shore D, and wherein exposing the bowling ball to a local humidity greater than the an ambient humidity includes exposing the bowling ball to a local relative humidity greater than an ambient relative humidity for the treatment period, and further including exposing the bowling ball to the greater local relative humidity for at least 6 hours, and further including disposing the bowling ball in the bowling ball carrier.

The present disclosure provides a method of treating the bowling ball 10, the method including (a) exposing the bowling ball to a local relative humidity greater than an ambient relative humidity for the treatment period, and further including exposing the bowling ball to the greater local relative humidity for a period sufficient to decrease a hardness of the bowling ball by at least 1% Shore D, and further including exposing the bowling ball to the greater local relative humidity for at least 6 hours, and wherein exposing the bowling ball to a local relative humidity greater than the an ambient relative humidity includes exposing the bowling ball to a local humidity greater than an ambient humidity, and further including disposing the bowling ball in a bowling ball carrier.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for treating the bowling ball 10, the apparatus including (a) the bowling ball carrier; and (b) the humidity source 100 configured to be received within the bowling ball carrier and increase one of a humidity and a relative humidity in the bowling ball carrier for the treatment period, and wherein the humidity source is configured to sufficiently raise the one of the humidity and the relative humidity in the bowling ball carrier to reduce a hardness of the bowling ball at least 1% Shore D, and wherein the humidity source is configured to sufficiently raise the one of the humidity and the relative humidity in the bowling ball carrier to reduce a hardness of the bowling ball at least 1% Shore D in 24 hours.

This disclosure has been described in detail with particular reference to an embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be affected within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed:
 1. A method comprising retaining, for a conditioning treatment period, a humidity source and a bowling ball having a hygroscopic coverstock within a container, the container moveable between an open configuration for receiving the bowling ball and the humidity source and a closed configuration encompassing the bowling ball and the humidity source.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a condensation rate to an evaporation rate within the container is greater than a ratio of a condensation rate to an evaporation rate outside the container for at least 3 hours.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the container and the humidity source are configured such that a ratio of a condensation rate to an evaporation rate within the container is greater than a ratio of a condensation rate to an evaporation rate outside the container.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.80 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity or less.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.32 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.065 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a metalized polymer.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate equal to less than a water vapor transmission rate of a 2-mil thick polyethylene film.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate of at least a 4 mil thick polyethylene film.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the treatment period is sufficient to decrease a hardness of the bowling ball by at least 1% on the Shore D hardness scale.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising terminating the retaining prior to a reduction of a Shore D durometer of the coverstock exceeding a percentage resulting in a coverstock durometer lower than the legal hardness or durometer as specified by USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein retaining a bowling ball includes sufficiently encompassing the bowling ball and the humidity source in the closed configuration of the container to increase a relative humidity of a local environment within the container to impart water absorption into the hygroscopic coverstock of the bowling ball and reduce a hardness of the coverstock on the Shore D hardness scale within a period of 24 hours.
 14. An apparatus for treating a bowling ball, the apparatus comprising: (a) a container, the container sized and configured to encompass a bowling ball and moveable between an open configuration for receiving the bowling ball and a closed configuration encompassing the bowling ball; and (b) a humidity source retained within the container, the humidity source configured to increase a relative humidity within the container during a treatment period.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate of equal to less than 0.80 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F. and 90% relative humidity.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer having a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.065 grams water vapor/100 in²/24 hours at 100° F.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the container comprises a vapor barrier layer.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the container and the humidity source are configured to sufficiently raise one of a humidity and a relative humidity in the container to reduce a hardness of the bowling ball at least 1% on the Shore D hardness scale in 24 hours. 